In an inspiring move, 14-year-old Jamie Thompson has successfully convinced her school to offer free pads and tampons in the bathrooms, ensuring that no girl has to face the embarrassment of being unprepared during her period.
Jamie, an eighth-grader at Crestview Middle School in Seattle, Washington, faced a frustrating situation when she desperately needed a pad or tampon, only to find that the vending machines in the restrooms were either empty or malfunctioning. One machine even ate her money. Fortunately, she had a spare pad in her backpack, but that experience ignited a determination within her to advocate for change. “I didn’t want anyone else to go through that,” she shared with NBC News. “I wanted to make life easier for my classmates.”
While the school nurse had supplies available, Jamie recognized that many students were unaware of this option. She believed that having free products in the bathrooms, like toilet paper, was essential since both are necessary for natural bodily functions. To support her cause, she launched a petition that quickly garnered over 100 signatures from her peers.
In her letter to the school administration, she posed a compelling question: “If tissues and toilet paper are provided freely, why not sanitary pads and tampons?” Jamie articulated that girls should not be penalized for a biological process they cannot control.
Not one to wait idly for a response, Jamie took the initiative to use her own allowance to create baskets filled with menstrual products and placed them in the school restrooms. She also included encouraging notes inside the baskets, featuring quotes from influential figures like Michelle Obama, emphasizing the importance of women’s rights.
Inspired by her social justice class and the events surrounding the 2016 Presidential election, Jamie felt empowered by the resilience of women leaders. “Seeing strong women stand up for what they believe in motivated me to do the same,” she explained. “Even if I don’t achieve equality for everyone, I know I tried my best to make a difference.”
Her efforts did not go unnoticed. Just three weeks after submitting her petition, the school administration announced they would provide free tampons and pads in the bathrooms. “We’re grateful to Jamie for highlighting this issue,” a school representative stated. “Her initiative demonstrates the importance of the skills she learned in her social justice class.” The administration also confirmed that any broken machines were fixed, and no coins would be necessary for accessing menstrual products.
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In summary, Jamie Thompson’s determination has led to a positive change in her school, making it easier for girls to manage their periods without the added stress of searching for supplies. Her actions remind us that even young voices can drive meaningful change in their communities.
Keyphrase: free period products in schools
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